Welcome!
“The body, like the dream, holds the seeds of healing and growth, and through exploring the body, its chronic contractions, pains, and symptoms of disease, we may access this healing source. The healing is already held within the symptom. The body becomes a guide and teacher in our development, indicating where we are out of balance, where we have strayed too far from our path, where we have overstepped our limitations or not met our basic needs, and where wrong attitudes are keeping us stuck and immobilized. Then bringing awareness to the body need no longer be fraught with fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, or just belief, but may become an adventure of courage and curiosity, the hero and heroine‘s journey and bodied within.”
-Linda Hartley, “Somatic Psychology”
I offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your inner world through movement and creative expression. I come with intention, openness, non-judgment, and deep care to every session. My own practice of movement and expressive arts helps me stay present and attuned to your needs.
I'm passionate about helping others understand their experiences and find greater meaning in their lives. If you're curious about how somatic movement and expressive arts exploration can support you, I'd love to connect and see how I can help you on your journey of self-discovery.
Scope of Practice
1:1 Embodied Expressive Arts Sessions
(Children-Adults)
Self-Expression
Circle for Women (Virtual)
e/o Monday 6pm
Embodied Integration:
Support through Expansive Experiences
2025
Retreats in the Pacific Northwest
What is Somatics?
Somatics is a practice that focuses on the body and its lived experience. It recognizes that our bodies are not just physical structures, but also hold our emotions, thoughts, and memories.
Somatic practices are exercises and techniques that help us become more aware of our bodies and develop a deeper relationship with them. They can include movement, touch, breathwork, meditation, and other modalities that help us tune into our bodily sensations, feelings, and impulses.
The goal of somatic practices is to help us release tension, stress, and trauma that we may be holding in our bodies, and to cultivate a greater sense of embodiment, presence, and well-being. By paying attention to our bodies in a non-judgmental and compassionate way, we can learn to listen to our inner wisdom and respond to our needs with greater clarity and ease.
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Somatic practices can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other issues that affect the mind-body connection. They can also be used as a form of self-care and personal growth, helping us deepen our understanding of ourselves and our relationship to the world around us.
Benefits of Somatic & Expressive Arts Work:
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Embodied Expressive Arts work can be a powerful practice for gaining insight into ourselves, addressing challenges in our lives, and supporting our overall well-being.
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Making sense of the world
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Getting out of our heads
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Understanding our lived experiences
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Addressing what's "wrong"
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Identifying what we need
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Addressing stagnation
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Developing embodied competence
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Creating new pathways for growth
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Stress reduction and nervous system regulation
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Growth and transformation
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Holistic Wellbeing
“Annika’s sessions are fluid and dynamic and she will accept, hold, and nurture you through the process.”
- S.P.
“Annika offers a creative, embodied approach with loving attention.”
- M.T.
“[Annika] is capable of resourcing herself and her body in order to mirror and reflect.”
- E.U.
Fieldwork Supervisor
Experience from the Inside Out
I work with people of all ages and backgrounds, understanding that each life stage brings unique challenges and perspectives. From the rapid development of babies and toddlers to the wisdom and resilience of seniors, I'm passionate about supporting individuals in navigating their experiences. I help teenagers and young adults discover their path, and I support adults in reconnecting with themselves.
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My approach is trauma-informed, drawing from both professional training and personal experience with complex trauma and PTSD. This lived experience gives me a deep understanding of dissociation and nervous system regulation. I know firsthand the power of resilience and the possibility of healing. I believe it's never too late to begin your journey of self-discovery, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. Please reach out to learn more.